Floor heating, which is also referred to as radiant floor heating, is considered a luxurious home feature and now, a popular trend for new houses, along with renovations that are focused on comfortable, design-led, and clean living.
When you install underfloor heating, you have an effective way to keep things toasty inside. While this is true, you may wonder if it is worth the additional hassle or the extra cost. Is it a better option to choose traditional heating components? Here you can learn about some of the pros and cons of radiant floor heating. For even more information, you can use this floor heating systems guide.
Pro: It’s an Energy-Saving Option for Heating Your Home
There are two basic options to consider when you decide that radiant floor heating is right for you. The first is an electric system and the second is a water-based one. Each of these offers heating in a room from the ground up, providing efficient, consistent warmth. The warm water systems use hot water moving through pipes to create the heat and electric heating heats up the wiring under the floor to effectively generate the heat.
With the traditional radiators, the temperature has to reach between 149 and 167 degrees Fahrenheit. Only at this point will it warm up a room effectively. However, floor heating only has to run at a temperature of 84 degrees Fahrenheit (or under) depending on several factors, such as floor finish, to warm up the room. This means it consumes less energy and helps to keep the energy costs lower.
Con: Initial Installation Cost
When considering the installation cost, you can expect to spend between $10 and $20 per square foot depending on the system that’s selected for the home. In addition to covering the cost of installation, you have to hire someone to hook up your system to your home’s power supply. This is something that may take several hours and could cost between $200 and $250.
For a water-based system, the installation usually takes place during the building phase and it is incorporated into the renovation or construction project. Typically, it is going to cost two to three times what an electric system will.
Pro: It’s Easy and Problem-Free to Run
After being installed, the underfloor heating needs almost no maintenance and it comes with a decades-long guarantee (based on the installer selected) providing complete peace of mind. The heating controllers, included, can ensure a heating system is able to run efficiently and make use of a Smart WiFi thermostat. However, if you prefer, you can opt for a programmable thermostat. This ensures the turns on at specific times and that you can easily turn it off during the evening and night.
Con: Time Needed for Installation
In most cases, a self-leveling element will have to be installed on the electric underfloor heating surface. This means you need to factor in the amount of time it will take for this to dry before the actual heated floor covering can be installed. This will typically take a day or two.
A water-based underfloor heating system is going to take much longer to get in the proper position. However, this doesn’t typically matter much because it is installed as a part of the bigger renovation project or build, and the installation can be done in about a week.
Is a Radiant Floor Heating System the Best Option?
If you are considering the installation of a radiant heating system, you have to consider the pros and cons found here. Knowing what is needed for the installation, costs, and other factors will pay off in the long run and help ensure you make the right decision for your home.
